Hello everyone,
This update includes
(1) What I’ve been reading.
(2) Open calls for writing.
(3) Poetry readings
1. January reading
My son gave me three novels from a series by Graeme Simsion for Christmas.
The author has created strong characters to explore autism, autistic people, neurodiversity (or whatever words you’d prefer), love, friendship, and family dynamics. I laughed at loud. The spectrum of human quirks in all three books is brilliant.
They are not new publications, however if you haven’t read them yet, I highly recommend Simsion’s books.
2. Do you write?
Here are a few open calls
| Open call | Closing date |
| Bristol Prize (short stories) | January 31st, 2026. |
| First Chapter (novels). | January 31st, 2026. |
| Windows and Wells (poetry) | February 12th, 2026. |
| Fish Publishing (flash fiction) | February 28th, 2026. |
| Desperate Literature (short fiction) | April 19th, 2026. |
See website links below.
Entry fees vary. The average price is €15. I am curating Windows and Wells, with entries from €5.50.
Links
3. Poetry readings
My first live poetry reading of 2026 was fun. Funded by Poetry Ireland, an enjoyable morning was had in West Limerick.
I’ll also be sharing my poems at two online events in January. Email me for details.
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Kathryn Mary Crowley 
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